The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Anambra State Branch, has confirmed the release of its abducted member, Dr Edwin Emegakor, days after he was kidnapped in the state.
The Chairman of the association in Anambra, Dr Princeton Okam, confirmed the development to journalists in Awka on Sunday.
Dr Emegakor, who is the Medical Director of Crown Multi-Specialist Hospital, Nkpor, was abducted on May 7 after attending to a patient at the hospital.
The abductors were said to be unidentified men allegedly dressed in security agencies’ uniforms.
Following the incident, the NMA had issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the Anambra State Government to secure his release, threatening that doctors in the state would withdraw medical services if he remained in captivity.
However, Okam said the doctor had now regained his freedom and had been reunited with his family.
“Our colleague has been rescued safely and reunited with his family.
“He is healthy, in high spirits, and responding well after the traumatic experience,” Okam said.
The NMA chairman expressed gratitude over the doctor’s safe return and praised God for his release.
He also commended police operatives, saying they played a major role in securing Emegakor’s freedom from his abductors.
Okam noted that the doctor’s release would affect the association’s earlier plan to embark on industrial action from Monday.
According to him, an Emergency General Meeting would be convened to review the planned strike and decide whether to suspend the action.
“There will be an Emergency General Meeting to decide on the suspension of the planned action,” he said.
Okam thanked everyone who supported the association and contributed to the rescue efforts during the period of uncertainty.
He also urged the Anambra State Government to strengthen security across the state and ensure better protection of lives and property.
The association had earlier condemned the abduction and called on government and security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue the doctor.